Visit Highlights TexAmericas Center’s Role in Supporting Japanese SMEs Entering the Texas Market
TEXARKANA, Texas — TexAmericas Center, one of the largest mixed-use industrial parks in the United States and the nation’s fifth-ranked industrial park, recently hosted a delegation from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) for a two-day campus visit aimed at strengthening international business collaboration and supporting Japanese investment in Texas.
The Feb. 2–3 visit underscored the growing economic relationship between Texas and Tokyo and reinforced TexAmericas Center’s role as a designated partner helping Japanese small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) explore, enter and expand within the Texas market.
The engagement was conducted under the Texas–Tokyo Statement of Mutual Cooperation (SMC), signed in January 2022 between the State of Texas and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s Bureau of Industrial and Labor Affairs. Through this agreement, TexAmericas Center was named one of 18 Texas-based economic development partners supporting Tokyo companies pursuing U.S. expansion.
Supporting International Market Entry
“As a designated partner in the Texas–Tokyo cooperation, TexAmericas Center is focused on delivering real operational results for companies entering the U.S. for the first time,” said Scott Norton, Executive Director and CEO of TexAmericas Center. “This visit allowed us to demonstrate how we provide resources, smooth market entry and long-term partnerships that international companies need to launch and grow successfully in Texas.”
During the visit, TexAmericas Center leadership led detailed discussions and tours highlighting:
- Site readiness and speed-to-market advantages
- Logistics and multimodal transportation access
- Workforce availability and training partnerships
- Federal, state and local incentive programs
- Long-term partnership and soft-landing support for foreign investors
Delegates also reviewed TexAmericas Center’s flexible real estate offerings, including short- and long-term leases, build-to-suit options and purchase opportunities. Integrated logistics services — such as third-party logistics (3PL), rail service and transload operations — were also key topics.
Workforce partnerships with regional universities, colleges and workforce organizations were presented as additional assets for international firms establishing U.S. operations.
Tokyo Delegation Participation
The TMG delegation was led by Futoshi Negishi, Director for Overseas Market Development, Commerce & Industry Division, and included senior officials focused on international investment and overseas business development. The group also included Lawrence Howorth, President of Howorth International and TMG Texas Advisor, as well as a Japanese–English interpreter.
A Strategic Gateway for Global Investment
With nearly 12,000 acres and approximately 3.5 million square feet of industrial, warehouse, office and logistics space, TexAmericas Center continues to position itself as a strategic gateway for domestic and international companies seeking scalable growth in the central U.S.
The site serves companies across four states — Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana and Oklahoma — and offers direct access to major highways, rail networks and air freight.
TexAmericas Center operates as the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for development on its property, enabling companies to potentially reduce project timelines by 12 to 18 months through streamlined review processes and faster speed-to-occupancy.
National Recognition and Infrastructure Assets
TexAmericas Center has earned national recognition for its readiness and infrastructure:
- Ranked among the Top 10 U.S. industrial parks for six consecutive years by Business Facilities
- Ranked No. 5 nationally in 2025
- Named an America’s Top Site by Trade & Industry Development
- Recognized by Expansion Solutions for its No. 1 Qualified Site Program (QSP) in the Southern U.S.
Seven rail lines converge in the Texarkana region, and the campus features a 350-car rail yard and more than 30 miles of rail. TexAmericas Center also participates in Union Pacific’s Focus Sites Program, a designation held by only a select number of U.S. sites.
The center provides on-site 3PL services supporting warehousing, fulfillment and inventory management. Companies can combine flexible leasing with logistics services to establish operations quickly and efficiently.
All TexAmericas Center properties are located within a U.S. Opportunity Zone, New Market Tax Credit Census Tract, EB-5 investment area, Foreign Trade Zone (#258), and Texas Enterprise Zone, providing layered incentive potential for qualifying projects.
About TexAmericas Center
Located on the Texas side of the Texarkana metro area, TexAmericas Center operates one of the largest mixed-use industrial parks in the United States. With development-ready land, modern facilities and integrated logistics capabilities, the organization delivers customized real estate, incentive and financing solutions for industrial users.
